Goa, Oct. 31 -- BJP MP Manoj Tiwari took a dip in the Yamuna River at Sonia Vihar ghat on Thursday, claiming that pollution levels in the river had reduced by nearly 50% over the past year due to cleaning initiatives undertaken by the Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government.

Tiwari, who represents the North East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, also said that the improved condition of the river would allow people to celebrate Chhath Puja in the Yamuna once again.

Pointing to the presence of migratory birds along certain stretches of the river, the BJP leader said their arrival indicated an improvement in water quality. He argued that such birds would not visit the area if the river remained heavily polluted.

Tiwari further claimed that crocodile...